Glenn R. "Dick" Ames , age 86 of Freeport, IL, passed away Sunday, September 24, 2017 at Presence St. Joseph Center with his wife by his side. He was born January 27, 1931 in Flora, IL; the son of the late Rev. Glenn E. and Lois F. (Haycock) Ames. He attended grade school in Flora and Evanston, IL. He graduated from Stockton High School in 1949 where he played football and basketball. He married Irma Ruth Dittmar on June 4, 1950; she died on April 6, 1988. Dick later married Virginia Gorham Hutmacher on March 19, 1998.

He had worked for Micro Switch, Freeport Insurance Company, Northwestern Telephone Company, and at Sundstrand Aerospace where he retired in 1993. He then started his own construction company and was active in that until 2002. Dick and Virginia were both pilots and together owned a 1973 Cessna 172. They enjoyed flying together, taking turns being pilot and co-pilot. He was a former member of the Freeport Pilot's Association and took part in giving rides to young people through the EAA Young Eagles Program. He was also a member of the Airplane Owners and Pilot's Association. Dick was an active member of the Cedarville United Methodist Church. He was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge, NRA, and of the Elk's Foundation 1000. He was a Boy Scout Master of Troop 6 at First Methodist Church for several years, and leader of a cub pack at the church. Dick was on the Highland Community College Foundation Board and he and Virginia gave as many as five memorial scholarships a year to both students and graduates.

Dick's hobby was woodworking, making furniture and roll top desks. He and Virginia loved to travel together and enjoyed spending winters at their home in Mesa, AZ and their summers at their home in Lake Summerset. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and was a member of ABATE of Illinois. He loved playing tennis and riding his quad in Arizona.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia Ames of Freeport; children, Steven Ames, Richard (Mary) Ames, Michael Ames, and Debra (James) Helsell; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; great great grandchild; and his dog, Boots. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Irma; and a granddaughter.